From a sloped car park to a vibrant green community space with a boardwalk and 77 new plants – a piece of Palmwoods has been completely transformed by one of council’s most significant infrastructure upgrades from the past year.

The new $3 million Piccabeen Greentown square in the heart of Palmwoods, named by the community, was officially opened on the weekend.

The name reflects the 54 Piccabeen palms that have been planted to line the connecting boardwalk.

Mayor Mark Jamieson joined Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay and community members for the opening event.

“This project has created a civic heart for Palmwoods, a place where our community can meet for festivals and celebrations,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The town square and the connected streetscaping is the first stage of the Palmwoods Public Domain Master Plan, which was developed following extensive community consultation.”

Cr McKay said the space was designed to complement the town’s existing character.

“The centre of Palmwoods is unrecognisable, in the best way possible,” Cr McKay said.

“We have seen our town transform and it looks fantastic.

“One decade of planning – building on feedback from the community to build a heart in Palmwoods, linking the three business precincts and creating a place to gather – has delivered the project before us today.

“The community have been strongly engaged through many years of workshops and consultation and there is a strong ownership by the community of this new space.”

To help bring out Palmwoods’ unique character, council engaged talented local makers to design and construct specific furniture and infrastructure elements within the open space, including seating, historical information and directional signage.

About the town square

The project includes seating, shade and outdoor dining opportunities, and has improved pedestrian links through the town, connecting the three shopping precincts on Margaret, Main and Little Main streets.

Other features include water bubblers with in-built dog bowls and bespoke art features including seating, historical information, and directional signage.